So I have been thinking about what is the next step after the MINI. I like the look of the Cayman over the 911. The look pretty close now after the new rear end on the Cayman. I would want an S for sure but it was and interesting test drive. 2014 Cayman 6 speed manual 61k fairly stripped down car. White.

Coming out of MINI the interior is pretty boring compared to a MINI and way less room even for the driver which I was not expecting. Ok its a ture sports car you get wedged in. The ride is super smooth and quite. Even over railroad tracks that would rattle your teeth in the MINI. I was truly amazed because the suspension is stiff. It is exactly the same as what the S comes with also. Steering and handling are the best I have experienced in car period. This includes many race cars and exotics. It would do what ever you wanted and was always flat to the road and hooked up. I would have to say it is the best handling/balanced street car in the world stock.

The engine I was not crazy about coming out of high HP cars and even the MINI. I know why I can pass Boxsters and Cayman on the straight-aways with the MINI. No common unless they have been flagged for holding me up in the corners. Under 4500 RPM's no body is home in the Cayman. Power band starts at over 5800 RPM's and then screams to 8000. It just happens to fast and it is over. They even shifting fast and hard the 2-3 will drop below the power band. Gearing in second is way to tall if you ask me.
If you get in the power in second you are ready speeding. S might be better with 50 more HP and with time you would get use to the quirks. Easy to get caught in wrong gear as you have to spin the motor to have any power. Perfect for the track but not so much as a daily driver you expect performance from. The PDK auto slush box might be a better option with this car. It will drop 3 gears and stay in the power.

Fit and finish were excellent as well as the dealer experience. Not arrogant
like I have found at the BMW and Ferrari stores. If you don't have that torq you sure miss the turbo power of the MINI. You have to work a lot harder and use more track in the MINI to keep up but the car is half the cost. Plus the MINI can haul the race tires, tools and stuff you need for a track weekend. MINI just got serviced and new plugs so she is ready to get back out on a track.

 

The CaymanS handles better than a 911. Read the latest R&T review.

It is a fine piece of automotive art.

 

This would be my next car, but you have to be 6'0" or less to fit (with short legs). I don't know why designers are creating center consoles so wide and high. Robs you of knee room between the wheel and center console. I'm 6"6" BTW. Can't even sit in the Cayman.

Dave

 

If I didn't have a MINI shop and a GP I would have gotten a Cayman. I love that car.

 

Going to drive an S today with PDK. I prefer a 6 speed but I just have that feeling and from what you read it is going to be a better fit for the engine.
It will have no issues dropping 3 gears to get you into the power band I hope. The set up the reg. Cayman was great for a track but not something I could live with every day on the street. My Maserati would be better suited to be turned into my DD which might happen when I bring it to Scottsdale.